The ridiculous name aside, the Megapixel, unveiled at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show seems to be a stunning effort by Tata Motors, more so when you consider the fact that the Pixel was displayed only last year at the Geneva Motor Show. The brains at Tata, in keeping with the times, have swapped the 1.2 litre diesel mill in the Pixel for a electric motors on all four wheels, powered by a 13 kWh lithium ion phosphate battery that is recharged by a on-board petrol engine. With a range of 900 km, CO2 emissions of just 22 gm / km and fuel economy of 100 kpl, the Megapixel has the statistic Tata Motors should be proud of. Tata Motors says the Megapixel is a range extended electric vehicle (REEV).
The Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) in the Pixel has been replaced by the electric motors in the wheels, that rotate the rear wheels in opposite directions, while the front wheels are turned at an acute angle, enabling an exceptional 2.8 metre turning radius. We have to mention here though, the Toroidal traction drive had a turning radius of 2.6m. It cannot possibly be the electric motors that are responsible for this loss, as they must be doing the same function of the toroidal drive just as effectively, if not better. So, is the Megapixel at 3504mm longer than the Pixel?
The Tata Megapixel is as distinctive in elegantly melding Indian uniqueness with global styling preferences, says Tata. The integrated lamp and grille graphics sweep back over the front wheel arches to render a dynamic front end. It is echoed on the panoramic roof, creating a harmony between sun & shade and sense of interior space. The floating C-pillar and wrap-around belt line finisher integrate perfectly with the sculpted body surface, flowing freely to the rear and encapsulating the 5-spoke wheel design.
A double-sliding door system and the car’s B-pillar less design make entry/exit easy. The battery layout and hub motors maximize the interior package. So, the Tata Megapixel comfortably accommodates four adults with luggage. The front seats are cantilevered on the central tunnel, releasing floor space for additional storage. Light leather trims and rose metal details accentuate the joyous marriage of richness of tradition and innovativeness of technology.
This fusion is heightened by an advanced human machine interface (HMI). The console docking point can connect a smart phone with the car. The built-in large touchscreen HMI, at the centre of the instrument panel, thus becomes a common access point for the repertoire of the smart device and for controlling the functions of the car, like temperature, ventilation, driving modes and performance. Remember the iPad toting female in the Pixel promo videos? We wonder what happened to that idea..